How to Concrete a Driveway On a Budget
With the right process, a budget concrete driveway is possible. Often a homeowner may wish for the convenience of a paved or concrete driveway. The convenience of concrete goes beyond appearance when rain or snow make a dirt and rock driveway unusable. For some however, hiring a professional to create and pour the driveway is simply not in the budget. For those, there are methods to save money using short cuts and do-it-yourself effort. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Shovel
- Rake
- Level
- Wheelbarrow
- 2-by-4 wood for forms
- Stakes
- Rubber mallet
- Concrete
- Trowel
- Helper
Instructions
-
-
1
Level the area for the driveway. Use a shovel and rake to remove the grass and top layer of soil from the area. Level out the ground as much as possible and use a construction level to check the accuracy. Make the area wide enough to accommodate the width of the forms without making the space too narrow.
-
2
Build the forms. The do-it-yourselfer can save money by building their own forms for the driveway. Lay 2-inch by 4-inch boards end to end along the leveled area and hold in place with wooden stakes placed on each side of each board.
-
-
3
Mix the concrete according to manufacturer's directions in a wheelbarrow. Save on renting a concrete mixer by mixing it yourself. Have a helper assist in mixing as several loads are necessary for pouring a driveway.
-
4
Pour and spread concrete with a shovel. Move the pouring concrete into corners first then across the area between the forms. Even out with the shovel. The concrete should be a minimum of two inches thick.
-
5
Trowel the area to finish. Pull a large trowel across the concrete to give a finished look. Work with a helper to finish quickly before the concrete begins to harden. Work from the first area poured to the last.
-
6
Allow the concrete to set for several hours before removing the forms.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
The more people working on the project the better. The mixing, pouring and spreading process is a lot of work and may not move quickly enough with only two people.
Do not use the fresh concrete driveway for at least 72 hours.
References
- Photo Credit Ablestock.com/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
